Food + Climate Resilience Talk Story on Nov. 8th at 6pm Reflection
"Transforming Our Food System for a More Sustainable Future"
It's alarming to learn that agri-food systems account for over 30% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. However, discussions on climate solutions rarely address the need for systemic reform from seed to table, which are plagued with inequities.
The good news is that we can take practical steps to improve the situation, particularly at the local level. On Wednesday, November 8th at 6 pm we had the virtual Kauai Climate Action Forum, hosted by Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition and Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA), co-sponsored by Surfrider Foundation, Zero Waste Kauaʻi, 350.org, and Hawaiʻi Land Trust.
Our panel, "Towards a Fair and Sustainable Food System for Hawaiʻi," featured experts working to transform our local food system in the Hawaiian Kingdom using a range of tools and practices. Each panelist provided examples of ways to create a more sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient food system in Hawaiʻi.
The esteemed panelists are as follows:
Anne Frederick, Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA)
Lorilani Keohokalole, Aloha ʻĀina Organizer
Kapule Torio Jr., Hawaiʻi Land Trust
The panel was moderated by Pualiʻiliʻimaikalani Rossi, HAPA Board Member.
If you weren’t able to tune in last night check out the recording below this is your opportunity to learn how we can collaboratively work towards a more sustainable and fair future for Hawaii’s food system.
One of the practical steps we can take to improve the sustainability of our food system is to support local agriculture. By buying locally grown produce—like honey, paʻakai (salt), iʻa (fish), and produce— we can reduce the carbon footprint of our food while supporting our local economy. Practice Community Reciprocity by locally sourcing our Additionally, reducing food waste and shifting towards more plant-based diets can also have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
It's important to remember that systemic change is needed to truly transform our food system. This includes addressing issues of food access and affordability, supporting small-scale farmers, and rethinking our reliance on industrial agriculture. By working together and implementing practical solutions, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system for Hawaiʻi and beyond.
Links Mentioned In Action Forum:
Fossils, Fertilizers, and False Solutions: How Laundering Fossil Fuels in Agrochemicals Puts the Climate and the Planet at Risk (October 2022) - CIEL
https://www.ciel.org/reports/fossil-fertilizers/
Sowing a Plastic Planet: How Microplastics in Agrochemicals Are Affecting Our Soils, Our Food, and Our Future (May 2022) - CIEL
https://www.ciel.org/reports/microplastics-in-agrochemicals/
Pesticides and Climate Change: A Vicious Cycle - PAN
https://www.panna.org/resources/pesticides-and-climate-change-a-vicious-cycle/
Seeds of Occupation, Seeds of Possibility - The Agrochemical-GMO Industry in Hawai’i by Dr. Andrea Brower
HAPA Legislative Action Alerts Sign Up Page (AN): https://www.hapahi.org/legislative-session
Kapule & Lorilaniʻs links:
KŪKULU KUMUHANA O ANAHOLA: http://www.kkoa.org/
Hawaiʻi Land Trust: https://www.hilt.org/
Next Steps
HAPA is calling on the public and lawmakers to remain engaged in the fight for a fair and sustainable food system in Hawaiʻi. The organization is already planning for the 2025 legislative session and will continue to advocate for policies that support local farmers, protect communities from pesticide exposure, and increase Hawaiʻi's food security.
How to Get Involved
There are a number of ways to get involved in the fight for a fair and sustainable food system in Hawaiʻi:
Contact your elected officials and let them know that you support policies that promote local food production, protect the environment, and ensure access to healthy food for all.
Get involved with HAPA or other local organizations that are working to build a more sustainable food system.
Support local farmers and businesses by buying local food whenever possible.
Educate yourself and others about the importance of food systems justice and sustainability.
By working together, we can create a food system that is good for people, the planet, and the economy.
